MetropolisMom

Photo by www.Jupiterimages.com

When your child decides to eat the apple slice or wear the hat that she violently rejected before, do not point out to her that she has changed her mind. Sometimes, especially in moments of frustration, it is difficult not to show your toddler how inconsistent her actions seem to be. Doing so, however, can shame a child and lead her to believe that she is incapable of making good decisions. It is can also trigger a bout of renewed stubbornness. Bearing in mind that her standards, your toddler is being perfectly consistent; after all, the object of her refusal is far less, important to her than her ability to refuse it.

When you must override your child’s "no" - for example, when she must put on her coat, or when she cannot take another child’s toy - be firm and state simply why it is necessary that she do as you say. Tell her that you understand her dislike of bending to your rules, but also help her understand that sometimes others’ needs have to be considered. This is not a concept that goes well with an 18-month-old, but in having to accommodate other people.

During toddlerhood, your child will come to learn that she shares the world with othes who have choices too, and that sometimes they will resist her attempts to assert her independence. If she has been treated with understanding during her early phase saying no-if your relationship has been one of give-and-take rather than "win or lose," if she has not been continually overpowered-she will have a pretty good sense of her own power and worth. She will also have the confidence she needs to enter into the peer relationships of her preschool years.

Learn More on how to over come your toddler’s resistance here .